Martin is a free man on TV too

Martin Freeman’s on-screen relationship with Amanda Abbington is headed for trouble, after the Sherlock stars split up in real life

LIFE is imitating art for MARTIN FREEMAN.

The Sherlock actor split from his partner of 16 years, AMANDA ABBINGTON, earlier this month. And now their on-screen relationship will hit the rocks too.

The writers blame Doctor Watson, whom Martin has played since 2010, for his and Mary’s marital problems in the upcoming fourth series, which sees them welcome their first baby.

Co-creator MARK GATISS teased: “Doctor Watson becomes slightly more of a d***.” The details of his deceit are under wraps, but Martin says he has enjoyed exploring a darker side to the usually stoic John Watson.

Martin said: “It’s always interesting to play shades of people. I think there’s a lot of understandable talk that John is reliable, a very steadfast character – which he is generally speaking.

Mary and Doctor Watson welcome their first baby in the upcoming fourth series

In contrast, BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH said tactless Sherlock is becoming “slightly less of a d***”.

He explained: “He’s becoming more responsible for his actions. It’s a slow process that began when he met John. He’s becoming more of a human being.”

It’s taken a while.

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CORONATION STREET’s Anna Windass has faced another hellish year on the cobbles, so I’m not surprised to see 2016 end with a new horrifying drama for her. She has spent the past few weeks recovering after a car crash and explosion left her badly burned. And it looks as though she will be heading back to hospital as she is knocked unconscious after falling down the stairs, with everyone out for the evening. I hope someone is able to come to her rescue. Meanwhile, during tonight’s hour-long HOLLYOAKS, Eva concocts a plan to murder Jack when he returns on New Year’s Eve. End-of-year celebrations never do run smoothly in Soapland.